Star Scrapbooks: A Look Back

Star Journals

Photo by: Tara Donne

Tara Donne

We started with 15 finalists in Los Angeles. Six moved on to New York City. And last Sunday night, a winner was crowned: Jeff Mauro is our new Sandwich King!

To put this exciting and exhausting journey in perspective, take a look back through the finalists’ scrapbooks from the competition. Upon arrival in L.A., each contender was given a Food Network journal and a digital camera. We compiled their best pages and photos to give you a behind-the-scenes look at the unique experience of each Star finalist.

Who filled page after page with heartfelt reflections? Who drew lifelike sketches of their dishes and who wrote meticulous prep lists? Who took hilarious snapshots in the Star house? Flip through the pages of the finalists’ scrapbooks to see.

Jeff's journal
Jeff Mauro (Winner!)
Susie's journal

FNS7 Episode 9 BTIEA Camera Challenge

FNS7 Episode 9 Contestant Susie Jimenez writing notes in her journal while tasting food for the "Best Thing I Ever Ate" at Chelsea Market Camera Challenge.

Photo by: Edward Chen/Creel Films ©2011, Television Food Network, G.P.

Edward Chen/Creel Films, 2011, Television Food Network, G.P.

Susie Jimenez (Runner-Up)
Vic “Vegas” Moea (Third Place)
Mary Beth Albright (Eliminated Week 10)
Whitney Chen (Eliminated Week 9)
Jyll's journal
Jyll Everman (Eliminated Week 8 )
Penny Davidi camera shot
Penny Davidi (Eliminated Week 7)
Chris Nirschel (Eliminated Week 7)
Orchid's journal

FNS7 Episode 2 Star Challenge Scarpetta

FNS7 Episode 2 Finalist Orchid Paulmeier reviewing her journal in Stew Room before cooking for Star Challenge at Scarpetta.

Photo by: Edward Chen/Creel Films ©2011, Television Food Network, G.P.

Edward Chen/Creel Films, 2011, Television Food Network, G.P.

Orchid Paulmeier (Eliminated Week 6)
Justin Davis (Eliminated Week 5)
Justin Balmes (Eliminated Week 4)
Alicia and Justin journals

FNS7 Episode 1 Star Challenge Farmers Market

FNS7 Episode 1 Group Star Challenge Farmers Market. Finalist Justin Davis looking at Alicia Sanchez's journal.

Photo by: Edward Chen/Creel Films ©2011, Television Food Network, G.P.

Edward Chen/Creel Films, 2011, Television Food Network, G.P.

Alicia Sanchez (Eliminated Week 3)
Katy Clark (Eliminated Week 2)
Juba Kali (Eliminated Week 2)
Howie Drummond (Eliminated Week 1)
Howie and Vic with journals

If you missed the intense season finale or hilarious reunion show, catch up here with full episodes. You can even relive all of Season 7 online.

See you next season, Star fans!

Next Up

Star Scrapbooks: A Look Back

Relive this memorable season with a look back at all 15 Star Scrapbooks.